Smart Homes: when to call in a professional electrician

Smart Homes is an increasingly popular term we’ve been hearing for some time now so let’s first start with a basic understanding of what it is.
 
Coldwell Banker and CNET defined a smart home as: 

A home that is equipped with network-connected products (i.e., "smart products," connected via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or similar protocols) for controlling, automating and optimizing functions such as temperature, lighting, security, safety or entertainment, either remotely by a phone, tablet, computer or a separate system within the home itself

According to e-Marketer, more than 1/5 of U.S. internet users already own or are very familiar with wireless lighting that can be controlled from a smartphone device.
 
With how quickly the world changes due to technology, it’s not surprising that smart homes are now becoming practically a standard in the U.S.
 
Has anyone seen the Disney show from the 90’s Smart House? Did you ever think any of the concepts in the show were actually even possible? It’s pretty crazy to think that less than 20 years later, some of those concepts are now a reality.
 
As described in the definition, there are many different ways to make your home…well “smart”. From controlling lighting to temperature to safety, the list could go on. The question is: how difficult is it to install smart home technologies? Is this something anyone can install or is this a project for a professional electrician?
 
Depending on your knowledge level of technology, this answer can vary. There are some devices that can easily be installed by anyone familiar with most modern-day technology. Products such as smart light bulbs, wireless speakers, wireless security cameras, etc. are all smart products that you can easily install yourself by following the directions on the product packaging.
 
When you start talking about wanting to install a smart HVAC system, light dimmers, thermostats compatible throughout your home, whole home security systems, etc. – this is when it would be wise to call up your local electricians. When systems require tampering with wiring, it can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. From deciding the proper voltage, connecting to a network and then programming and trouble shooting devices, there are many steps that electricians need to take in order to safely and properly install smart home devices.
 
It’s no question as to why smart homes are increasingly becoming more popular. If you can just dim the lights from your smartphone without having to get out of your warm and cozy bed, why wouldn’t you right? 
 
If you are in Michigan and interested in turning your home smart, contact R.A. Lee Electric: your local electricians, to make an appointment. Some of the most common smart home installations include:

• Smart lighting
• Whole house security systems
• Home automation